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If you are an existing or former IWW member, or are thinking about joining the union, this is where you want to be!
* We will discuss what makes the IWW different from other unions (trade or otherwise).
* We will also discuss awesome topics like Solidarity Unionism and Direct Action.
* As this is right after May Day, you'll be able to connect in solidarity with others who are fighting for the same cause of worker power.

The IWW is building a working class movement -- here in Portland and internationally -- for worker power and defense on the job and in our communities. This class struggle affects us all and we want YOU to be involved in this awesome and inspiring work.

This class is FREE and open to all workers. Light snacks will be provided! We sincerely hope to see you there!!

If you require babysitting assistance or kid focused activities on site in order to participate, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can make arrangements with our Junior Wobblies coordinators*.

*Junior Wobblies is a vetted committee in the IWW designed to help provide childcare to fellow workers for the purpose of attending meetings, events, among other situations. The IWW makes sure that anyone involved with Junior Wobblies is a trusted community member, so that parents can have peace of mind.

The last few decades have been marked by aggressive attempts to weaken if not actually destroy labor unions in order to roll back the gains that they have won for their members and the broader community. One consequence of these attacks is that families today are facing a world shaped by diminishing employment opportunities, ever more precarious working conditions, deteriorating social services and growing social divisions.

With national "Right to Work" looming at the federal level, we have never needed to strengthen public understanding of and support for unions more than right now.

Historically, faith leaders and fatih communities have played vital roles in important social movements. The same is true today. Pope Francis has called inequality "the root of social evil" and consistently defends workers against a profit-first mentality. Other faith traditions also have strong roots in justice for workers and the rights of families to just living conditions.

Why do unions matter? Why do unions and social justice matter to people of faith? Why should we defend unions from attack? What can faith leaders and faith communities do to help strengthen local labor and social justice movements?

Join us for a panel and discussion of these important questions. Light lunch will be served.

Join the Portland Jobs with Justice Faith-Labor and Portland Rising Committees for a panel and discussion on why unions matter from a faith-based perspective.

The last few decades have been marked by aggressive attempts to weaken if not actually destroy labor unions in order to roll back the gains that they have won for their members and the broader working class. One consequence of these attacks is that families today are facing a world shaped by diminishing employment opportunities, ever more precarious working conditions, deteriorating social services, and growing social divisions.

With national "Right to Work" looming at the federal level, we have never needed to strengthen public understanding of and support for unions more than right now.

Historically, faith leaders and fatih communities have played vital roles in important social movements and the same is true today. Pope Francis has called inequality "the root of social evil" and consistently defends workers against a profit-first mentality. Other faith traditions also have strong roots in justice for workers and the rights of families to just, living conditions.

Why do unions matter? Why do unions and social justice matter to people of faith? Why should we defend unions from attack? What can faith leaders and faith communities do to help strengthen local labor and social justice movements?

Join us for a panel and discussion of these important questions. Light refreshments will be served.

In West Virginia, over 33,000 teachers and school staff fought courageously for nine days, in defiance of the unions and state politicians. Their determined struggle captured the attention of workers throughout the United States and the world who identified with the fight by teachers for decent wages and an end to soaring health care costs.

Contrary to the proclamations of the unions, however, the deal reached to end the strike is not a victory for teachers. It does nothing to address teachers’ central demand—an end to escalating health care costs that effectively wipe out any pay raises. Moreover, the one-time five percent raise for public workers will be funded by deep cuts to social programs.

From the very beginning, the struggle demonstrated the chasm that separates the working class from the organizations calling themselves unions, which take workers’ dues money and do the bidding of the corporations and the state.
What began in West Virginia is now expanding to other parts of the country, amidst a resurgence of class struggle internationally. To prepare for the next stage, it is vital that the essential lessons of the West Virginia strike be reviewed and assimilated.